CDC admits essential oil may be as effective as DEET for mosquitoes?

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) in Atlanta may have finally admitted that products using oil of lemon eucalyptus (OLE or PMD) can provide longer lasting protection against mosquitoes, just as the toxic chemical bug repellent DEET does.

Mosquitoes can spread dangerous, and sometimes deadly, diseases including West Nile virus, different types of encephalitis and Zika.

Now when you visit the CDC website page on West Nile two different publications list oil of lemon eucalyptus (OLE or PMD) as providing longer lasting protection as well.

More on that in a moment. But first let’s take a closer look at DEET.

Troubling side effects from DEET insect repellant

DEET is an effective mosquito deterrent, however, despite the Environmental Protection Agency’s seal of approval to spray the stuff on our bodies, there are some serious concerns about the potential side effects of this chemical.

Some studies have found the chemical repellent to have few side effects, while others point to troubling reactions. In one early study done in the 1980s the effects of DEET were studied on employees of the Everglades National Park.

One quarter of the folks complained of negative side effects including…

skin irritation

rashes,

numb or burning lips,

headaches,

dizziness,

nausea,

and difficulty concentrating.

DEET has been shown to affect the central nervous system in animal experiments. In one study, animals exposed to the equivalent of a human dose performed more poorly on muscle coordination tests.

According to one Duke University researcher, exposure to the chemical caused brain cell death and behavioral changes in animals.

When applied to the skin a certain percentage of DEET is absorbed into the bloodstream. And the toxicity of the chemical goes up when it’s combined with isopropyl alcohol or freon, both of which are common ingredients in commercial bug repellents.

The EPA recommends washing the spray away as soon as you return indoors and to avoid breathing it in. In fact, DEET products are required to carry several child safety warnings.

So although it’s important to note that if the risk of West Nile is high, oil of lemon eucalyptus (para-menthane-diol) may still not be the best choice, if you’re looking for a safer alternative for everyday use, OLE may fit the bill.

CDC recommends oil of lemon eucalyptus to repel mosquitoes

Two publications offered on the CDC website now say some oil of lemon eucalyptus (OLE or para-menthane-diol) products provide longer-lasting protection as well against mosquitoes that can spread West Nile Virus.

The agency’s “West Nile Virus Fact Sheet” now states…

“When outdoors, use repellents containing DEET, picaridin, IR3535, some oil of lemon eucalyptus or para-menthane-diol. Follow the directions on the package.”

Concerned consumers who want protection against mosquitoes and other biting bugs may now be able to turn to products made with oil of lemon eucalyptus (or para-menthane-diol). Oil of lemon eucalyptus has been shown to provide protection that’s similar to low concentration of DEET in two studies. Which is great news because this safer, non-toxic alternative could be a far better choice for you and your own family for everyday use.

Make your own natural bug repellent

There are already some DEET-free repellents on the market that are using pure oil of lemon eucalyptus. These products use the refined para-menthane-diol, the form of the oil which is now mentioned on the CDC website, as an effective repellent. Check your local home improvement stores, pharmacy or online.

It’ s also very simple to create your own bug spray using whichever combination of essential oils appeals to you. But please do keep in mind that the essential oils you would use at home are not the same refined PMD listed by the CDC on their website. The pure essential oils have not yet undergone the same testing.

For the best results, use several different essential oils. This will give you the broadest coverage against a variety of different species of pests.

To make your own bug spray, you’ll need a 10-ounce spray bottle, and some simple ingredients.

Ingredients:
• 5 ounces distilled water
• 4 ounces witch hazel
• Essential oils, choose three or four such as: citronella, lemongrass, rosemary, lavender, peppermint, basil, thyme, oil of lemon eucalyptus, geranium, tea tree oil (check with your pediatrician before using on kids and don’t use tea tree oil if the spray will be used on very young children )

Directions:
• Add the distilled water and witch hazel to the 10-ounce spray bottle.
• Then add a total of 30 to 40 drops of essential oil.
• Shake well.

We’ll be keeping a close eye on the situation to see if PMD products continue to be recommended. Although elsewhere on the CDC site it still states that essential oils do not provide the same level of protection, we’re happy to see the CDC is now willing to list lemon eucalyptus (OLE or para-menthane-diol) among products that can offer longer-lasting protection. For folks who prefer a repellent with a botanical base OLE may be an effective option.

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Comments

to answer your question, no. “This recommendation refers to EPA-registered repellent products containing the active ingredient OLE (or PMD). “Pure” oil of lemon eucalyptus (essential oil not formulated as a repellent) is not recommended; it has not undergone similar, validated testing for safety and efficacy, is not registered with EPA as an insect repellent, and is not covered by this recommendation.”

Yep, let’s take a half-truth and misrepresent it to suit our agenda, shall we?

DO NOT USE ESSENTIAL OILS. THEY DON’T WORK.

The CDC CLEARLY states, on the Mosquito page, the following:

“REPELLENTS FOR USE ON SKIN AND CLOTHING

CDC has evaluated information published in peer-reviewed scientific literature and data available from EPA to identify several types of EPA-registered products that provide repellent activity sufficient to help people reduce the bites of disease-carrying mosquitoes. Products containing the following active ingredients typically provide reasonably long-lasting protection:
• Oil of lemon eucalyptus (OLE) or PMD (chemical name: para-menthane-3,8-diol), the synthesized version of OLE. Products containing OLE and PMD include, but are not limited to, Repel and Off! Botanicals. This recommendation refers to EPA-registered repellent products containing the active ingredient OLE (or PMD). “Pure” oil of lemon eucalyptus (essential oil not formulated as a repellent) is not recommended; it has not undergone similar, validated testing for safety and efficacy, is not registered with EPA as an insect repellent, and is not covered by this recommendation.”

This is a great article, I’ve been using essential oils to ward off mosquitos for years. One thing to note: Tea Tree and Eucalyptus oil shouldn’t be used around cats, many essential oils are very toxic to them, but Rosemary oil is one of the safe ones.

Starting off with “the CDC may have finally admitted” implies that this group of scientists and public servants were previously lying and have now been coerced into their statement. This is unprofessional and uncalled for. A more objective reporting would state that the CDC is now endorcing certain natural oils as part of a program to reduce mosquito bites. Making people suspicious of the CDC agenda to promote your own products is paranoia propaganda which results in worse health outcomes for the population. Please consider this in future publications.

Hi Deb, I am a member and distributor of with a great essential oil company. I have used oils on my pets for a few years very successfully, including my goats and dog. If you would like to know more, PM me on FB Joy Ballard, or shoot me an email. joyballard2003@gmail.com

This quote does not under grammatical circumstances say essential oils provides longer-lasting benefits over other repellents but that the entire list including DEET, pic aridin, IR3535, including some oil of lemon eucalyptus and para-menthane-diol products last longer than other products not in this list.

It’s unfortunate that misinformation is sent around the Internet at the speed of light because one chooses not to read appropriately or is pushing an agenda that has no factual backing.

Whether essential oils (alternative: chemicals) or homeopathic (alternative: chemicals) I doubt these two user groups will ever agree. Europeans are way ahead of the US folks. They use more natural ie., plant based, and spend a ton less to keep healthy. I for one have used these nature derived products in lieu of providing the chemical company giants with more profits for over 20 years. But then I also believe in organic food, exercise and the occasional visit to my chiropractor when spring gardening puts a kink some where. Its purely natural vs chemical. Pick your side and know what you’re putting on and in your body.

Here is something that my ex-wife and I did before. We hadn’t intended to ward off skeeters but!
We decided to become vegetarians for awhile. We did it for 6 weeks. No beef. No pork.
We decided to go fishing on a trestle crossing the river in south Florida. My cousin and 2 of his buddies decided to go with us. It was right at dark and when we got out there the skeeters were thick! Her and I had no issues with them. It was like they just ignored us. But, my cousin and his friends got tore up! Her and I stayed and fished for a few hours. Cousin and his friends quickly left the area.

I got to thinking why we were not attacked by them and this is what I came up with.

When you purchase meat such as beef and pork, those animals were hurried and forced thru the slaughter. This caused them to produce adrenaline in abundance into their muscles. The meat is packaged and sold on market. When you cook the meat the adrenaline is not cooked out so when you eat it you get that adrenaline in you and when you sweat it comes out your pores. The skeeters are attracted to that adrenaline. Ever notice how animals seem to attract insects in swarms? Could I be right? Eating no meat for some time one tends to clear that adrenaline out of their system.

Has anyone else tried that? I also know they are attracted to heat signatures.